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Apple has officially unveiled the next generation of its most popular laptop: the MacBook Air, now powered by the all-new M5 chip. While the exterior remains the slim, fanless icon we’ve come to expect, the internal upgrades represent a massive leap forward for power users and AI enthusiasts alike.
Here is everything you need to know about the latest refresh.
The M5 Silicon
The headline feature is, of course, the M5 chip. Built on an enhanced 3nm process, the M5 brings significant performance gains over its predecessors. Apple claims the 10-core CPU is up to 20% faster than the M4, but the real story is in the Neural Engine.
Optimised for Apple Intelligence, the new 18-core Neural Engine is up to 4x faster for AI-driven tasks. Whether you’re using generative writing tools, real-time image editing, or automated coding assistants, the M5 handles complex workflows with significantly less latency.
Storage Reform: 512GB is the New Standard
In a move that many have been waiting for, Apple has finally retired the 256GB base model. The new MacBook Air now starts at 512GB of SSD storage across all configurations.
Furthermore, the storage architecture has been overhauled to deliver 2x faster read and write speeds. This upgrade ensures that even the entry-level model feels incredibly snappy when moving large files or launching heavy applications. For those who need maximum capacity, the Air can now be configured with up to 4TB of storage.
Connectivity
The M5 MacBook Air is the first in the lineup to feature the Apple N1 wireless chip. This brings support for:
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Wi-Fi 7: Offering significantly higher throughput and lower latency in congested environments.
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Bluetooth 6.0: Improving connection stability and power efficiency for wireless peripherals and audio.
The Display and Build
The MacBook Air continues to lead the market in portable design. It remains available in 13-inch and 15-inch Liquid Retina display options, featuring 500 nits of brightness and support for one billion colours.
The sleek, fanless aluminium enclosure persists, ensuring the device remains completely silent even under heavy loads. You can still choose between the four classic finishes: Midnight, Starlight, Space Gray, and Silver.
Battery Life and Sustainability
Despite the performance bump, battery life remains a standout feature. Apple promises up to 18 hours of usage on a single charge, making it a reliable companion for a full workday without needing a power outlet. Additionally, the new MacBook Air is made with 50% recycled content, a new milestone for the product line.
Pricing Breakdown in Malaysia
13-inch MacBook Air
- Standard: RM4,699
- Education: RM4,299
15-inch MacBook Air
- Standard: RM5,499
- Education: RM5,099
Both models come in sky blue, midnight, starlight, and silver.
Is it worth the upgrade?
If you are currently using an M3 or M4 model, the M5 offers a nice speed bump but may not be an essential upgrade unless you are heavily invested in AI workflows. However, for those still on M1 or Intel-based systems, the combination of the M5's efficiency, the doubled base storage, and Wi-Fi 7 makes this the most compelling MacBook Air in years.
Orders open soon at apple.com/my/store, the Apple Store app, and Apple Authorised Resellers across Malaysia.
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